Do Americans Need A Visa To Visit Thailand

Spain attracts a large number of ESL teachers from all over the world due to the culture and healthy job market. The type of visa you require varies depending on your nationality, so we recommend that you check with the Spanish embassy website before making any plans to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Spain is a long-standing member of the European Union so anyone with an EU passport can live and work freely in the country without a visa. However, EU citizens still need to apply for a residency permit and a tax number as soon as they arrive. The application process for this is generally very straightforward and your employer will normally help you with it. The most common route for non-EU citizens is to enter Spain on a 90-day tourist visa that is issued on arrival...  [Read more]

Costa Rica has much to offer those who choose to teach ESL in this part of Central America. A tropical climate, picturesque beaches, exotic wildlife and pristine rainforest are just some of its many attractions. But what visa do you need to live and work in the country? Unlike many other popular teaching destinations, it is technically legal for foreign teachers to work in Costa Rica on a standard tourist visa. Most nationalities, including Americans, Canadians and Western European citizens, are given a 90 day visa on arrival at the airport. Once the visa expires you can simply cross into a neighboring country and then get a new one on your way back into the country. When you first arrive in Costa Rica you are not legally allowed to work until you have registered for a tax number...  [Read more]

In the vast majority of cases, ESL teachers will need to obtain some form of visa to enter their destination country. What specific visa you need is wholly dependent on the rules and regulations of your host country, so you should contact the relevant embassy or take a look at their website to make sure you have all the correct information. Below we outline the most common forms of visa you are likely to come across. Tourist visas are typically issued to people who only plan on a short visit and do not intend to work or study. This type of visa comes in many different forms depending on the host country and your own country of origin. The 'upon entry' tourist visa is the most common and this is issued upon arrival at the airport immigration desk. For example, US citizens arriving in...  [Read more]

With a population of 1.4 billion people spread throughout a huge geographic area, China always has a vast amount of opportunities for foreign ESL teachers. However, there is one question that teachers continue to ask: The answer to this question would have been yes until quite recently. Although individual schools are still not concerned with whether their teachers have a degree or not, it is government restrictions that have made the difference. It is now an official requirement for teachers to have a degree in order to be eligible for a Z (work) visa. As every teacher needs this visa to work legally, the answer is no, you cannot teach legally in China without a degree. If you don?t qualify for a Z (work) visa, you can visit China on another type of visa such as an L (tourist) visa...  [Read more]

In some countries where teaching ESL is popular there is a clear path for obtaining a work visa or permit that allows you to live and work long term, while in others the process can be overly complicated, expensive or simply nonexistent. However, as the demand for teachers is so high in many countries, the need for a work visa can often be ignored by employers. The truth is that thousands of people are currently working as ESL teachers in countries worldwide without a formal work visa or work permit. In two of the most popular ESL teaching destinations in Europe, Italy and Spain, it is very common for Americans and other non-EU nationals to start work as teachers with nothing more than a tourist visa in their passport. A standard tourist visa is valid for 90 days and there is no...  [Read more]

France, like many other countries in the region, can often be a difficult place for non-EU citizens to find teaching jobs. Employers often prefer to hire teachers with an EU passport, rather than go through the difficult process of applying for a work permit. One popular alternative route for non-EU teachers is to apply for a student visa as these allow you to work for a set number of hours each week. Although the legal amount of teaching hours is limited with a student visa, many teachers also take on a few private students in their free time to top up their income. Applications for a student visa should be made in your country at least four weeks prior to your departure date. Required documents include a passport that is valid for at least six months after you plan to leave France...  [Read more]

The simple answer to this question is YES, it is now common for TESOL qualified teachers to work exclusively online while traveling from place to place or while spending an extended time in one location. Internet download speeds continue to increase in most countries around the world, including many that you might think are off limits. There are also plenty of different employers targeting the online teaching market, with more starting up on a regular basis. With countless potential employers and no shortage of possible destinations, there has never been a better time to leave your stale nine to five behind. However, which countries offer the best visas for a long-term stay. Visa length: Up to 60 days Bali has long been a popular tourist hotspot and a stop on the backpacker trail,...  [Read more]

In recent years Vietnam has gone from being a possible teaching destination for the future to being a fully fledged TESOL hotspot that is attracting a growing number of teachers every year. First-time teachers, and those with some experience, are drawn to the country for a variety of different reasons including the strong demand for foreign teachers, a relatively low cost of living, competitive salaries, world famous cuisine, and the warm and friendly atmosphere that is evident wherever you go. Although it was once possible to turn up in Vietnam and find a job teaching English with no qualifications and no experience, those days are firmly in the past. Government requirements and those of individual schools have become much stricter in recent times, leading to an increasingly...  [Read more]

Hong Kong is a traditional favorite with many teachers as it is a modern, vibrant place where English is commonly used and most Western style comforts are readily available. The downside of its popularity is that the competition for the best positions is generally very strong. To give yourself the best chance of success, there are a few things you should know. Although there have been government guidelines in place for many years regarding foreign teachers, these have only recently begun to be properly enforced. The result of this is that it is now very difficult for anyone without a university degree and two years teaching experience and/or a TESOL qualification to find a legitimate job. On top of these basic restrictions, each employer is free to set their own requirements for jobs...  [Read more]

Spanish language schools often prefer to employ teachers from within the EU to avoid the hassle of applying for a work permit. Despite this, thousands of non-EU citizens still head to Spain every year to work as ESL teachers. A large proportion of these enter the country on a standard tourist visa and work illegally without a work permit. Although illegal, this practice is very common and rarely causes any problems for the teacher. However, one alternative for non-EU citizens to consider is to apply for a student visa which also allows you to legally teach a set number of hours each week. To get the process underway you need to visit a Spanish Embassy at least three months before your planned departure date. At the embassy you can pick up an application form, verify the exact...  [Read more]

If you have researched teaching English abroad, you might have found stories suggesting that it is impossible for US citizens to find ESL teaching jobs in Europe. However, this is not the case as a high demand for foreign teachers in many countries means there are plenty of great opportunities for American teachers in Europe. Language schools in many areas are always on the lookout for native English speaking Americans with a TESOL qualification to fill their vacant positions. At anytime you will find thousands of US citizens teaching in major European cities such as Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Moscow, and Prague. In many Western European countries there is a preference for British English in some schools and excessive bureaucracy can also be responsible for restrictions on US born...  [Read more]

Although there are several countries around the world that require teachers to have a degree in order to qualify for a work permit or visa, there are still many other great destinations where employers are happy to take on teachers without one. Often the key is to be flexible about your destination and to go where the demand for your services is high. Whether you have a degree or not, completing an internationally accredited TESOL certification course before you start applying for jobs will undoubtedly help you in your job search. The vast majority of employers worldwide now expect their potential teachers to have undergone some form of formal teacher training before they set foot in the classroom. Unfortunately, the regulations have been tightened in China in recent times,...  [Read more]

France receives more foreign visitors than any other nation in the world and many of these come to teach English. Thousands of ESL teachers come to France each year to experience the history, culture, fashion, and cuisine. If you want to join them, have a read through the following guide to teaching English in France. As you will find in most of Western Europe, employers of foreign teachers in France generally expect their employees to have completed a TESOL certification course. Anyone who arrives without one is likely to struggle in what is a very competitive job market, where the majority of those applying will be TESOL certified. If you are successful in applying for the government-run teaching assistant recruitment program known as TAPIF, you will have everything arranged...  [Read more]

Our TESOL facility in northern thailand is located in Chiang Mai, the former capital of the Lan Na Kingdom and accepted capital of North thailand. Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s oldest cities, dating back to the 13th century and prides itself on its very individual, independent cultural traditions. It is set upon a beautiful backdrop of mountains, forests, valleys and waterfalls, all stemming from the foothills of the Himalayas. If you are looking for a different experience from your tesol course in Thailand, then Chiang Mai is the location for you. Covering an area of 200,000 square meters, 300 meters above sea level, Chiang Mai is considered an essential part of any trip to Thailand. It can boast over 300 temples, 121 of which are in the municipal limits. This amount is up there with...  [Read more]

As an ESL teacher you are likely to apply for multiple jobs and in most cases head overseas, both of which require a variety of documentation. Some things cannot be sorted out until you are actually in your country of choice, however, it is essential that you organize all the documents you can in advance so you have them to hand whenever they are needed during a job interview or when applying for a visa. In most cases, anyone traveling outside of their home country will need a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months or even a year. To avoid any problems while you are overseas the best advice is to make sure you have at least two years left on your passport before you head off. In some countries you also need to apply for an entry visa before leaving home, while some will...  [Read more]

The opportunity to study and learn in a fantastic, peaceful location will be yours with our tesol course in ban phe, thailand. Our accommodating and highly qualified staff members will endeavor to ensure that all your learning requirements are met and that a truly memorable experience is had in your free time. Our TESOL course is recognized in thailand, as we are validated by the Thai Ministry of Education. Located 2 hours to the south of Bangkok, the tranquil, traditional Thai fishing town of Ben Phe is perfectly situated on one of the beautiful beach fronts of the Gulf of Thailand. While staying in this lovely seaside town renowned for its relaxed and friendly locals, you will be able to discover and experience real lifestyle and culture of Thailand. Treat yourself with some of the...  [Read more]

Italy is one of several European countries where it can be difficult for non-EU citizens to find teaching jobs. Many language schools are reluctant to go through the process of getting a work permit for a non-EU teacher when they can simply hire one with an EU passport. If you are in this situation, one option available to you is to apply for a student visa that also includes the right to teach up to 20 hours per week. To allow for a comfortable lifestyle many teachers also take on a few private students in their free time. It can take up to a month for your visa application to be processed after you have handed over the required documents to an Italian embassy or consulate in person. Your passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months after your stay in Italy is over and...  [Read more]

The market for qualified ESL teachers around the world is huge. Right across Europe, Asia, Latin America and even Africa, there are dozens of countries to consider. However, if you want to teach ESL in an English-speaking country, you might find things a little more tricky. Although there is typically a strong demand for ESL teachers in most English-speaking countries, the required amount of teachers can normally be recruited from within that country's own population. Another common problem for foreign teachers looking to work in an English speaking country is getting hold of the necessary work permits and visas. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some teachers acquire the right to work in another English-speaking country via marriage to a foreign national, or as a...  [Read more]

If you are considering Spain as a location for teaching English, you certainly won't be alone as it has long been one of the most popular destinations in Europe. However, before you buy a plane ticket why not take a look at Latin America as many teachers find that this amazing region is actually a better option for them. For many people, the opportunity to learn a new language is one of the great benefits of teaching English abroad. When it comes to learning Spanish, the assumption that Spain is the best place to do so is certainly a common one. However, in reality the type of Spanish used in Spain actually uses accents and slang terms that are vastly different to the language spoken in other Spanish speaking countries. In fact, many native Spanish speakers from outside of Spain...  [Read more]

If you have done any research into teaching English in Europe it is likely that you have read something about the Schengen Area that is made up of 26 countries with a combined population of over 400 million people. Set up in 1985, the Schengen Area has essentially removed all border controls between member countries allowing the free movement of people within the whole area. Prior to this, anyone wanting to travel between any country in the area would need to go through full passport checks at every border they wanted to cross. Now TESOL teachers are free to travel at will across the Schengen Area without any restrictions. Please note that the Schengen Area should not be confused with the European Union which is a separate institution. Once you have entered any country that is a...  [Read more]